Reinforcing its partnership with Mizuho Bank and expanding the agency’s investment network, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Tereso O. Panga and Mizuho Bank President and CEO Masahiko Kato-san signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), formalizing Mizuho Bank’s role as an official Investment Promotion Partner.
The MOU, signed last July 10, 2025, reaffirms and builds upon the collaboration first established in December 2012, which aimed to attract Japanese corporations to expand in the Philippines, conduct joint consultation events—including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—and support Japanese firms entering the local market.
Under the new agreement, both parties reaffirm their commitment to attracting greater foreign direct investment—not only from Japanese companies seeking to expand across the ASEAN region but also from other Asian countries.
Moreover, this partnership is especially timely as both institutions advance a shared commitment to sustainability. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Chair of the Philippine Climate Change Commission, has emphasized the development of climate-smart industries as a national priority.
Aligned with this advocacy, PEZA and Mizuho Bank will pursue initiatives under the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework, including carbon credits and transition financing to support the shift toward a low-carbon economy.
“We view this as the beginning of a long and productive partnership—one that will help usher in high-quality investments, create more job opportunities for Filipinos of whom 300,000 are already directly employed by Japanese companies inside the ecozones, and most importantly contribute to building a more resilient and globally competitive Philippine economy,” Panga said.
With Mizuho Bank’s vast global network, deep knowledge of Japanese investor requirements, and strong presence in the Philippines, they will be a valuable partner in promoting the PEZA ecozones as globally competitive locations for manufacturing, ICT, renewable energy, and other priority sectors.
